Life in North Cyprus

KYRENIA

It is suggested that Kyrenia was founded by Achaeans who migrated from Peloponnese in the 10th century BC. According to the claim, the Achaeans gave the name of the Kyreniamountain in the homeland of this city they built. Another view is that the first settlers in Kyrenia were Phoenicians who founded trade colonies on the shores of the island in the 9th century BC. In Roman sources, Kyrenia’s name is called Corineum. The history of the city, plundered by the Arabs and pirates several times during the Byzantine period, resembles the general history of the island.

NICOSIA

The city, which is called Ledra in the Assyrian resources of the seventh century, is claimed to be the core of Nicosia. In 300 BC, Lefkos, son of Ptolemy I Soter, gave his name after rebuilding the city. It is thought that the name of Lefkosa is also derived from this. The name of Nicosia is said to have been used for the first time in 1192 when the Indigenous Templar Knights rebelled. Beginning from this date, the island was ruled from Nicosia and Nicosia was regarded as the capital of Cyprus. This brilliant period of the city that developed during the period of Lusignans continued until the Venetians took possession in 1489. Many important churches and palaces have been destroyed by the Venetians Period in order to fortify the walls. Ottoman rule started in Nicosia, in 1570 and this time it was filled with mosques, baths, madrasahs and inns, which are works of Ottoman culture.

TRİKOMO (İSKELE), KARPAZ

Trikomo is a charming coastal town located at the intersection of the Mesaria Plain and the Karpaz Peninsula at the 18th kilometer of Famagusta-Karpaz highway. The name of the region, called Trikoma before 1974, was changed to the Yeniİskele after the settlement of Turkish Cypriots, especially from Larnaca.

Located on Famagusta-Karpaz highway and called as “Boğaz”, it is a tourist attraction with many tourist facilities and fish restaurants. Haravdi beach in Boğaz is used as public beach. İskele is the largest settlement between Famagusta and Karpaz. The area that includes villages like Bafra, Mehmetçik, Dipkarpaz and Yenierenköy are also host to Karpaz donkeys, the symbol of Cyprus. With untouched beaches like Bafra and Golden Beach, this region attracts those seeking peace and tranquility with its natural and historical beauties.

CASINO

Who can say no to gambling? In North Cyprus, casinos are the center of entertainment, just as it is in all of the world’s finest holiday resorts. The casinos that offer all kinds of games and entertainment to their customers in a world quality, are a constant part of the night life of Northern Cyprus.

In Northern Cyprus casinos the newest gaming machines like roulette, blackjack and other live games can be played. Casinos are constantly renewing themselves to satisfy their customers. Besides this, the well-known artists of Turkey and the world, world famous shows and entertainment are a constant part of casino culture.

HISTORY

Cyprus, which is at least as old as Anatolia, carries traces of many civilizations and cultures and sheds light on the history of civilizations. The question of when people first came to the island of Cyprus is controversial. Some archaeologists argued that the first men in Cyprus lived around the year 7000 BC. Also, experts claim that the first inhabitants of the island had come from Anatolia between the years 4000 – 3500 BC. In addition to these arrivals, the ones from Syria were also added on about the same dates. In the Neolithic era, people living in Cyprus lived in small villages, near the sea, in places suitable for agriculture and on the banks of rivers. These people were doing agriculture, and they were hunting and fishing.

LIGHT ON THE HISTORY

During the Bronze Age, it is understood that new immigrants have come to the island and the population of the island increased. During this period, mining was made in the island, glass objects were produced and trade with neighboring countries was made. During the Late Bronze Age, the island of Cyprus has been found among important trade routes in the eastern Mediterranean and has brought its important cities.

A BRIGHT PERIOD

During the Lusignan period, Cyprus was ruled according to feudal principles like in Europe; The Latin and Catholic Kingdoms have based their security forces on Christian Maronites of Arab origin, whom they brought from Lebanon. The population of Maronites had exceeded 50 thousand, but most of them later returned to Lebanon. During the period of Lusignans art and architecture reached its peak in Cyprus.

THE PARADISE IN THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN

With its strategic location and untouched beauty, Cyprus is the third largest island of the Mediterranean. Cyprus has always been on the agenda of politicians because of Cyprus politics, it attracts the archeologists because of its historical sites and also biologists, researchers and foreign tourists with its rich vegetation.

The origin of the name “Cyprus” is unknown. Some say that the island gave the name to the copper mine that was found here, and some say that it received this name because of the shape of the ox skin that is hanged after the salting.

A BLEND OF CIVILISATIONS

Cyprus is a bridge between the Near East and Aegean civilizations because of its geographical location. In Cypriot art, the effects of these civilizations have turned into original creativity combined with local traditions. Civilizations active in Cypriot history have left various artworks here. Among these civilizations are Greek, Egyptian, Assyrian, Persian civilizations. Western civilization, which dominates the island during the Middle Ages, also left various works, especially churches, on the island. During the Ottoman period, some of these churches were transformed into mosques and some of them were not touched. In addition, in this period, various mosques, towers, dervish lodges, baths, inns, mansions and monuments were built. With these features, Cyprus is like a blend of civilizations.

CLIMATE

The climate of Northern Cyprus is a typical Mediterranean climate. The summers are long and arid, the winters are short and rainy. The average annual temperature is 19ºC (66ºF). The mid-summer temperature is around 40ºC (105ºF) and the warmest sea in the Mediterranean is average 21ºC (75ºF). In winter, the weather is quite mild and annual rainfall is 500mm.

NATURE

In addition to evergreen trees such as pine, bitter orange tree, carob tree, cypress, olive tree, maquis, deciduous trees, dwarf trees and shrubs, as well as various endemic flower species constitute the general vegetation cover of Cyprus.

The Mediterranean climate has created the natural richness of Cyprus. The most common forest tree species are Pine, Cypress, Oak and Eucalyptus. In Northern Cyprus, there are many kinds of naturally grown flowering plants, orchids and 19 endemic plant species that grow in Cyprus. Northern Cyprus is also a country with rich animal species because of its birds and other migratory birds. For this reason, hunting in the island has improved considerably. North Cyprus is the center of accommodation and ovulation due to its location on the migration routes of birds between Africa and Europe and its geographical location. It is possible to encounter seagulls even if it is rare.

ACTIVITIES

In Northern Cyprus, you can spend a lot of time with various activities in summer and winter. The natural structure of Northern Cyprus allows you to enjoy a wide range of activities together: Undiscovered beaches, cypress-covered hills and spectacular mountain ranges. Whether you want to go for a ride or get a little lazy on the beach or do an energetic activity, you will be surprised when you realize what Northern Cyprus is offering you.

CUISINE

With so much culture that it has hosted, Cyprus has become an “oriental” school of cuisine, having synthesized its eastern and western flavors. In the cuisine of Cyprus, meat, seafood, vegetables and fruits are consumed daily and freshly. At the dinners, twenty-four types of “hors d’oeuvres” and mezes are served before the main meal.

After famous mezes like, cacik, hummus, pastrami, yoghurt, fava, fresh almonds, pickles, cucumbers and variety of olives, grilled foods like grilled halloumi, meatballs, shish kebab, Shefali kebab, lamb chops are served and then the special main meals like kleftiko, küp kebab, colocasia with lamb, mulukhiyah, pastries, bumbar, traditional Cyprus meatballs and stuffed squash blossoms are presented. Fresh and very diverse seafood has a special place in the Cyprus cuisine.

FESTIVALS

We would not exaggerate if we say that North Cyprus is festival island. There are dozens of festivals in this small country, big or small, appealing to every taste. There are all kinds of styles for music lovers. Local Cyprus music, jazz, pop, rock, blues, classical music and more. Dance and music festivals are also very common in North Cyprus. Theater, dance and folklore festivals are organized every year with international participants.

NIGHTLIFE

Our little country offers plenty of options for the night life of Northern Cyprus. The clubs in big cities and in the hotels, are very crowded especially in summer. If you like different music styles, you will find bars and pubs to suit all kinds of music taste. The entertainment of these venues makes it cooler in the hot summer nights.

SEA SPORTS

It is not possible to forget summer sports in Northern Cyprus, where can you go swimming for 9 months of the year. In our country, all kinds of sport activities are available on almost every beach. Water skiing, windsurfing and of course, jet skiing. Can you enjoy the summer without them?

SCUBA

The impressive and unique underwater life of Northern Cyprus is waiting for you. Northern Cyprus, which has one of the longest scuba diving seasons, also owns a very colorful underwater life. You will love the underwater world of North Cyprus where time stops and a completely different life begins. A variety of fish and ancient remains under deep blue will take you to a different world.

PARAGLIDING

What do you think about a cruise in the blue sea and the sunny skies of Northern Cyprus? While watching Northern Cyprus like a bird on the Paraglide, you will observe the turquoise sea, the lush forests and the golden beaches.

Do not worry, you do not have to be an expert to make this unique journey. In North Cyprus, which is considered as one of the best places in the world for paragliding, professional firms and pilots help you on this journey.

YACHTS

Located in the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, North Cyprus is a yachting center with ancient or modern marinas. Northern Cyprus, a frequent destination for various yachts from all over the country, is a precious place for yachting with its unique coastline. You can enjoy these beauties with your own yacht, also you can rent a yacht and go about this beautiful coastline. Yachting trips, especially organized in the ancient harbor area of Kyrenia, introduce thousands of tourists every year with unexplored coastlines and the hidden beauties of Northern Cyprus.

SPA

Vacation means relaxing, getting comfortable and chilling out. The beauty spa centers of North Cyprus offer you the unique options of resting your soul and body. In these spas where all kinds of treatments and beauty cares are offered, you can enrich your beauty as Cleopatra once did. Traditional Turkish baths will also provide you with extra rest and relaxation.

In Northern Cyprus, aromatherapy, stone therapy, massages and different treatments are applied in various spa centers.

RESORTS

While enjoying your holiday, the facilities offered by your hotel are also very important. In North Cyprus, all the luxurious and comfortable resorts of world famous chain hotels will make your holiday unique.